Snorkel between Continents in Silfra | Free Photos

Join this fantastic excursion to explore the glacial depths of Iceland’s premier dive spot, the exquisite Silfra Fissure, with this incredible snorkelling tour. This is an amazing opportunity for any explorers in Iceland looking to visit one of the most unique places, not just in the country, but in the world. Get your picture taken with a GoPro while swimming across the continents and receive them on your email immediately after your tour at no extra cost!

You will begin this tour at the designated meeting point, Silfra Parking lot by the marked van at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once here, you will take a short journey through the volcanic, moss-laden fields of the National Park, finally unloading at the Silfra car park. Here, you will listen as your friendly and experienced PADI Divemaster guide provides a quick safety briefing.

They will also hand out all of the necessary kits for snorkelling in Silfra, including neoprene hoods and gloves, a thermal undersuit, a drysuit and, of course, your own mask, snorkel and fins. This equipment will keep you buoyant throughout your time in the fissure, as well as offering a great deal of thermal protection against Silfra’s 2°C / 35°F glacial water.

Once you enter the water, you will be immediately awestruck by the incredible shades of blue so prevalent in the fissure, as well as its jagged, algae strewn canyon walls. As you float above this canyon, you will have the opportunity to touch each side; this means that you’re placing your hands on both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates (one of the major reasons as to why Þingvellir is so internationally beloved).

Moving along the fissure, you will discover Silfra Hall (the fissure’s widest section) and the magnificent Silfra Cathedral (the fissure’s deepest section), as well as a gorgeous shallow oasis at the fissure’s end known as the “Real Blue Lagoon”.

So don't delay any further! Hurry now and you too can discover the amazing sights of Silfra glacial fissures, one of the major wonders to be found in Iceland. Check availability by choosing a date.

Geography

The first thing that visitors to the National Park notice is its sheer aesthetic beauty; dried magma fields, covered in Icelandic moss, sit carved by glacial springs and surrounded by a bowl of ancient mountain peaks.

Two of the greatest attractions in the park are the exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; it is one of the only regions in the world where you can see geology such as this on land.

Visitors are encouraged to walk along the North American tectonic plate, where they can read more about the area’s fascinating formation and history, before descending into the valley below.

History

Þingvellir can be anglicised to ‘Fields of Parliament’, a nod to the area’s fascinating history and relevance to Icelandic culture. It is here, after all, that the world’s first democratically elected parliament that remains functioning, Alþingi, was formed in 930 AD.

It may seem unlikely that Vikings would want to be under such an uncombative government, but the thirty or so clans that lived in Iceland at the time sought to prosper in their harsh new environment.

The first gathering was such a success that the meetings became annual, and it became a place where disputes were settled, criminals were tried, and laws to the benefit of all were laid down.

This saw the birth of the Icelandic Commonwealth, a time of independence and freedom for the Icelandic people before they became constituents of the Norwegian monarchy. Sessions would continue to be held at Þingvellir until 1798.

Though the parliament was removed by the Danish at this time, it returned 1845 to Reykjavík.

Another major reason as to why Þingvellir is considered so important to Icelanders is the fact that this is where the decision was made to abandon the belief of Paganism and the Norse Gods; the people adopted Christianity in 1000 AD under threat of invasion from Norway.

This turning point in history was left to the pagan lawspeaker, Þorgeir Þorkelsson, who rested on the choice for one day and one night before reappearing to share his decision.

To symbolise the country’s change, he threw idols of his old deities into the northern waterfall Goðafoss, the name of which translates to ‘Waterfall of the Gods’.

Silfra Fissure

Þingvellir is one of the most widely visited attractions in Iceland, in large part due to the fact that it is home to the glacial spring, Silfra fissure, one of the top ten sites in the world for snorkellers and scuba divers.

Silfra (meaning ‘Silver’) is a submerged ravine within the park, boasting visibility of up to 100 metres (328 feet) and a temperature just above freezing. Participants in these tours will be attired at the Silfra carpark in neoprene hoodies and gloves, as well as an undersuit and drysuit for thermal protection.

Silfra is a fissure filled with fresh spring water within Þingvellir National Park, and one of the country’s most cherished wonders. Snorkelling and diving in its crystal-clear waters is an experience that is both thrilling and relaxing, and it is now considered to be one of the top five dive sites in the world. It takes around an hour to reach Silfra from Reykjavík.

Geography of Silfra

Silfra fissure opened in 1789, due to the movements of the tectonic plates that frame Þingvellir National Park. The North American and Eurasian plates, which run all the way through Iceland, separate at about 2 centimetres per year, and as they do, they tear open fissures in the land between them.

Some of the ravines fill with water travelling underground through the porous lava fields in the area, originating from Langjökull glacier about 60 kilometres north. It can take the water up to a century to reach Silfra and this long filtration process results in the water being both extremely clear and drinkable.

Because the water travels underground, it maintains a constant temperature of two to three degrees Celsius and does not freeze over immediately at the source of the spring. Snorkelling and diving tours are thus open throughout the year.

The clarity of the water is what draws most visitors. The visibility can extend to over 100 metres, allowing you to see the canyon walls and bottom like you are floating over a great cathedral.

The last colour that water absorbs is blue, which means that when you look forward in Silfra, it is as if you are looking into an ethereal, vivid, azure world. The clarity also means that sun-rays refract through the surface of the water, creating rainbows on Silfra’s bed when the weather allows.

Snorkelling in Silfra

Snorkelling in Silfra fissure is a highly enjoyable activity, but you must meet some prerequisites to be able to join. These are as follows:

You must be able to swim

You must be over 16

You must be in good physical health

You must be at least 145 centimetres and 45 kilograms

If you are over sixty, you will need a medical waiver

If you are over forty-five with a history of heavy alcohol use and pipe smoking, you will also need a waiver

The most common option for snorkelling is to conduct it in a drysuit. Drysuits work with a fluffy undersuit to keep your body free from water and insulated against the cold, making the task of swimming through the near-freezing temperature more than achievable.

While drysuit snorkelling is the most comfortable and popular option, a few tours allow you to go through Silfra wearing a wetsuit. Wetsuits, made of neoprene, allow water to surround your body in a thin layer, that your body then heats up and uses to protect you. Though they grant you more flexibility, they are not so warm, so this should be done by the daring; you will also need to be at least 50 kilograms to snorkel in a wetsuit.

In all tours, you wear neoprene on your head and hands to allow for better mobility, a mask and snorkel, and a pair of fins, all of which are provided on site. The course of Silfra takes approximately forty minutes, and there is a gentle current throughout, meaning it requires minimal energy to traverse.

Diving in Silfra

Diving through Silfra gives an extra dimension to its beauty, as you will be able to look up and see the sun glistening upon the surface as you cruise through the crystal clear waters. However, considering the risks associated with diving in cold water and cumbersome equipment, all who partake must meet all the requirements above, as well as one of the following:

You must be a qualified diver with a certification in a drysuit speciality, OR

You must be a qualified diver with at least 10 logged dives in a drysuit conducted over the past two years, signed by an instructor or divemaster.

Þingvallavatn (anglicised to Thingvallavatn, ‘the Lake of the Fields of Parliament’) is a rift valley lake located roughly forty-minutes drive from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík.

Features of Thingvallavatn

Þingvallavatn is partially within the boundaries of Þingvellir National Park, Iceland’s oldest National Park and only one with UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Covering an area of 84 square kilometres (32 square miles), Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland with its greatest depth measuring at 114 metres (374 feet). Þingvallavatn is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, on a part of the ridge known as the Reykjanes Ridge.

The lake has only one outflow, the river Sog.

Of particular note to biologists and fishermen are the four morphs of Arctic Char that inhabit the lake. The lake’s char are an excellent example of species evolving to fit and adapt to a secluded environment; over ten thousand years, one species of Char has transformed into four different-sub branches. Other fish in the lake include the the Brown Trout and the Three-Spine Stickleback.

History and Geology

Þingvallavatn takes its name from the historical founding of the Alþingi, which occurred in 930 AD at what is now known as Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir literally translates to ‘Fields of Parliament’.

The Alþingi was the first democratically elected representative parliament in world history (examples such as Ancient Athens were direct, not representative, democracies); Icelanders used to travel by foot or horseback simply to congregate at Þingvellir where they would hear the latest laws and judgements of the island.

Þingvellir National Park is also notable for its geology. Given its position on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the park is one of the only places on the planet where visitors can see both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates standing exposed from the earth.

Footpaths allow you to get up close and personal to the plates, standing right where the ancient settlers once did. In between the tectonic plates lies fields of dried volcanic rock, blanketed with a thick, yet fragile layer of Icelandic moss.

Scuba Diving in Thingvallavatn

Scuba diving around Þingvallavatn revolves around two sites, Silfra Fissure and Davíðsgjá (David’s Crack), the former being one of the most popular spots on the planet for snorkelling and underwater exploration.

Silfra Fissure is situated between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and is filled with crystal-clear glacial water originating from the Langjökull ice cap. The water measures at between two degrees Celsius all year round, with a slight current preventing the fissure from ever freezing over.

Davíðsgjá is found within Þingvallavatn and is often considered the darker and more dramatic cousin of Silfra Fissure, resembling the gorge formation so prevalent across the Mid Atlantic Rift.

Only certain tour operators provide tours into Davíðsgjá, so make sure to do some research beforehand if you are looking to access this dive site during your time in Iceland.

Please be at the tour start location in good time before departure.
Silfra Parking lot at Thingvellir National Park

Included:

Free photos from the tour

Small Group Guarantee

Certified PADI Divemaster

All Snorkelling Equipment

Hot Drinks and Cookies after the tour

Silfra entrance fee

Transfer to/from Reykjavík

What to bring:

Warm Outdoor Clothing

Thick Socks

Comfortable Underwear

A Towel

Good to know:

To be able to do this tour, you have to be able to comply with the following requirements:

Have read, signed, and followed directions on the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement Form. You can sign the form at the meeting location. You will receive a link to it after you book the tour.

Be comfortable in water and be able to swim.

Communicate in English or have an interpreter with you at the time of the tour.

Be physically fit.

Not be pregnant.

You must be ready to wear a tight and constricting dry suit to protect your body from the cold.

You must be a minimum of 150 cm and a maximum of 200 cm in height and weigh between 45 and 120 kilos along with being physically fit.

You must be a maximum of 65 years of age to participate in this tour. If you are over 60 years of age, you need a medical waiver, available on page 2 of the medical form.

You must be a minimum of 12 years of age to participate in this tour. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian booked on the same tour.

If you are over 45 and partake/have partaken in pipe smoking or heavy alcohol intake, you need a medical waiver.

Please note that should you have any neurological, circulatory or respiratory problems or underlying diseases, battled any illnesses or have any physical problems you might have to turn in a physicians allowance to participate in this tour.

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Reviews

Troy L. Keeping

This was an amazing experience even in December! They had a box truck for us to change in, dry bags to store belongings and were most helpful in getting us ready.
Our Guide was Wesley and recommend you request him. He was awesome! We are a fun group and he loved bantering with us. More importantly, he looked after those who were nervous, and when my wife decided she was too scared to go into the water, he treated her with respect and dignity.
Strongly recommend Troll and Wesley. Pictures are included and that was a bonus!

mia kemme

It was amazing!! It was my first time snorkeling ever so I was little nervous but I’m glad I did it. Water was so pure and it wasn’t that cold while snorkeling. Our guide Dimitris was wonderful, he was very kind and really funny! I would 100% recommend this to everyone!

Elyse

This tour is a must when in Iceland! Matias our guide was amazing! The views are incredible both in and out of the water!! I would highly reccoment this even in November like we did it!

Molly

Snorkeling in the fissure between the North America and Eurasian plates was definitely an unforgettable experience, I've never seen this kid of clarity underwater. Mother Nature is an amazingly talented artist to decorate this planet! Our guide, Cordelia, she's informative and passionate, took good care of all of us. It was my first time to snorkel by wearing a drysuit, I was a bit worried about the water temperature around Nov. at the beginning, but it was surprisingly not that cold as I expected. This beautiful experience will stay in my memory forever, absolutely recommend to anyone!

olivia piekoszewski

This was such a cool experience! Our guide Dimitrus was fantastic, he was knowledgeable about the site, he was engaging and made the experience a lot of fun, too. For those who are wary, it was not as cold as expected and totally worth going on this tour to see such an incredible place!

Valli C.

Thomas

Meghan Wieser

Liz Brennan

Rosalie W

Fallon Heddings

This was my first time ever snorkeling and it was a blast! PH was a great tour guide that gave us alittle history about Iceland and the surrounding area and then a fun swim taking some awesome photos of my friends and I. Definitely recommend this group if looking for a snorkeling tour!

Johmar Sanchez

We Had a great time at Silfra our guide Dimitri was great he told us everything about the site history and all safety standards that we must follow. Troll Expeditions treat us super great and if you are planning to visit Iceland this tour is the one that you need to do it. Choose Troll Expeditions you wont regret!

Lena

Snorkeling with Troll Expeditions was awesome at Silfra! Our guide Wesley was great and told us all about the history of the area. He made sure to take plenty of pictures and let us take our time snorkeling, never feeling rushed. We were a small group and it was a great experience!

Mariana Ighnaim

Silfra Snorkel with Troll Expeditions was simply amazing!
Our guide Cordelia was great explaining the history behind the site and explained in detailed the use of the gear which made us feel comfortable and safe :)
Cordelia took great pictures to remember the experience and emailed them very soon after the tour. I want to highly recommend Troll and Cordelia as tour guide if you are considering this at all. Troll appears to be the only company to include pictures at no extra cost. Must do in Iceland for sure!

Tania Alvez Roman

My friends and I went to Iceland for only 3 days and wanted to do something epic. Snorkeling Silfra with Troll Expeditions definitely the highlight of our trip. Ronan was our guide and he was simply amazing. He made the whole experience so much fun and he made us all feel very safe from beginning to end. Some people worry about being too cold but truth is the drysuits keep you completely warm and dry. Silfra is the clearest water and being able to say that you were swimming across two different continents is a pretty cool fact :)!!!
We compared other tours and we thought Troll was best value because it includes FREE GOPRO PHOTOS after the tour (we received them only a few hours after our tour :) ) and hot chocolate and buiscuits :)
All in all great price, fantastic company, must do experience for Iceland :)

Jonas Ringstad

Incredible from beginning to end! Our tourguide Kate, from Troll Expedition was funny, friendly and considerate! We felt very safe with her on our team, and greatly appreciate the pictures she took of us for free!

Joyce yuan

This was a really fun tour!! Even though the water was obviously freezing, the view made it worth it. Christina, our guide was super funny and welcoming, and it was an over all great experience.

Tony Richardson

Family went snorkelling at Silfra with Troll in August and loved it. Guide Christina was very knowledgeable and helpful. Definitely worth doing and would recommend the company. Book for an early slot and there’ll be less queueing to get in the water and more chance of finding a parking space at Thingvellier.

Johan

Great, an absolute must do, I felt really taken care of with this company so I would definitely go with them. :)

Asdis Sigurdardottir

This tour was an otherworldly experience! We went snorkeling on July 1st at 13:00. Our guide Cordelia was very nice and funny and very professional about all the gear and safety so I felt very secure going into the water. I followed the recommendations online about clothing and was not cold at all. The company also provides an underlayer under the drysuit which was really nice.
The tour itself was unbelievable. The water was crystal clear and you could see the bottom of the lake the whole time with all the different colors. Cordelia brought a GoPro with her and took a lot of memorable pictures of the people on the tour and the picturesque landscape. The pictures were then sent to us online at no extra charge. When we got out of the lake I was still warm and they provided us with hot chocolate and cookies. Very appreciated :) I highly recommend this company and Cordelia if you want to explore Silfra!

Emily Wang

This tour exceeded my expectation! It was so pretty in the water. I was worried that it would be too cold to enjoy, but that was totally unnecessary. The dry suit kept me warm and dry. It was cold and windy that day, but in the water I was totally fine. My hands were cold and I was holding a Gopro, but it wasn't unbearable. I usually get cold really easily, but I didn't have a problem at all. We were a bit later for the tour because I was at a wrong meeting point, but our guide Ronan was waiting for us patiently and we had an amazing time. He also took lots of pictures for us at the tour. I highly recommend!

Lauren

This tour was amazing! This was the highlight of my trip to Iceland without doubt! Every part of this tour was just so much fun. We got to Thingvellir before 9 and explored the national park of Iceland, it made our day one of a kind.

Ben

I highly recommend this tour! I had the best time! It was really cold though but it was worth it!:) I have been snorkeling before but this was so much different! The pictures they took were just amazing! I didn't know you could look that great underwater;)

Jennifer

I really enjoyed this tour it was so amazing and really a once in a lifetime experience! Our guide was really helpful and talked us through every part of the snorkeling and all the equipment so we felt very safe. I never felt too cold in the water unless maybe a little bit in the beginning but as soon as I started to look around I just got amazed by all the sights around me and just forgot about the cold. Thingvellir is also so beautiful and I went on a hike around the national park. I really recommend this tour! And Troll is such a nice company to do this tour with:)

Nina

Perfect place to Snorkel. Thingvellir and Silfra are amazing, what a day we had. The guide was amazing and clearly very experienced. Two touches that made this tour even more special, the hot chocolate after and the pictures we got. Great customer service.

Emma

This tour was just amazing! Everything in Thingvellir is so beautiful and it was so cool to be able to snorkel in Silfra! I wish I could do it again! Our guide was really one of a kind! He was so sweet and really went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt safe.

Alo Silva

This is definitely once in a lifetime experience! Snorkelling between two continents in beautiful colors :) The guide was just wonderful, very knowledgable. He told us all the safety standards before the tour began so we felt safe. It was the first time I was doing something like this and I couldn't be happier I did it with the trölls!!! Must come back :)

Jan Friederich

AMAZING!!! Simply amazing tour. I've snorkeled all over the world and Silfra with the Trolls are the best one.
A must do in Iceland

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